Dutch defender contacted by Barcelona

Barcelona contacts a highly rated Dutch defender as the Catalan giants make a direct approach for the Eredivisie star.

In line with the club’s recent strategy under Deco, the idea is clear: secure elite prospects early, park them in Barcelona, and prepare a new generation for Hansi Flick’s backline.

This latest push comes on top of operations for Hamza Abdelkarim, Ajay Tavares, Juwensley Onstein, and Patricio Pacifico, underlining a broad structural rebuild in defence.

The Dutch youngster in question is Ruud Nijstad, an 18-year-old left-footed centre-back already breaking through at FC Twente, as reported by Diario Sport.

Nijstad is considered one of the standout defensive talents of his age group in the Netherlands, combining height, composure on the ball, and intelligent positioning—traits that fit perfectly with Barcelona’s possession-heavy, build-from-the-back philosophy.

Left-footed centre-backs of genuine quality remain rare, which is precisely why Barça have elevated him to priority status on their youth radar.

Nijstad is under contract with Twente until 2027, but with roughly a year and a half left, Barcelona see a window of opportunity.

Reports indicate that a Blaugrana delegation has travelled to the Netherlands to convince the player to delay any renewal and instead prioritise a move to Spain in the summer.

The sporting plan sold to him is straightforward: initial adaptation with the subsidiary side, followed by a pathway to the first team if performances match expectations.

Already a Dutch U18 international, Nijstad has built a reputation for technical quality in his passing, calmness under pressure, and a strong physical presence in duels.

His height—around 1.88–1.93 metres—would add aerial security to a club that has at times lacked dominant profiles at the back.

For Barcelona, this operation is not just another youth punt; it is a calculated attempt to secure a scarce profile that could anchor their defence for the next decade if his development continues on its current trajectory.